Public Access Defibrillation
•CPR and defibrillation improve chance for
survival from sudden cardiac death.
•Defibrillation can be provided by rescuers
through the use of automated external
defibrillators (AEDs).
•Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws
promote the use of AEDs in public places.
•Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved devices for the home.
How the Heart Works
•Heart is a muscle.
•Four chambers
store blood.
•Pacemaker cells
send electrical
impulses; heart
muscle contracts.
•Normal sinus rhythm
When Normal Electrical
Activity Is Interrupted (1 of 2)
•Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)
–A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
sudden cardiac arrest in adults
–Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss of
circulation
From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.
When Normal Electrical
Activity Is Interrupted (2 of 2)
•Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)
–A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
sudden cardiac arrest in adults
–Very rapid electrical activity
–Heart may be unable to pump blood
effectively.
From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.
Care for Cardiac Arrest
•CPR is the initial care until defibrillator is
available.
•V-fib and V-tach can be corrected with
defibrillation, but time is critical.
•For every minute that defibrillation is delayed,
victim’s chance for survival decreases by 7% to
10%.
•Provide CPR until defibrillator is available.
About AEDs (1 of 2)
•Analyzes the heart rhythm
•Determines and advises need to shock
•Delivers electrical shock to the victim in cardiac
arrest
•Can reestablish heart rhythm that will generate
a pulse
About AEDs (2 of 2)
•Common elements
–On/off button
–Cable and pads
(electrodes)
–Analysis capability
–Defibrillation
capability
–Prompts to guide user
–Battery operation for
portability
Using an AED (1 of 2)
•Turn the unit on.
•Apply AED pads
to bare, dry chest.
•Make sure cable
is attached to the
AED.
Using an AED (2 of 2)
•Stand clear and analyze
the heart rhythm.
•Deliver a shock if
indicated.
•Perform CPR for 2
minutes.
•Repeat analysis.
•Repeat shock and CPR
as needed.
Special
Considerations (1 of 2)
•Water
–Remove victim from
water.
–Dry victim’s chest.
•Children/infants
–Use pediatric pads if
available.
•Medication patches
–Remove patches
and wipe skin.
Special
Considerations (2 of 2)
•Implanted devices
–Pacemakers and
defibrillators
–Avoid placing
electrode pads
over devices if
possible.
AED Maintenance
•Preventive
maintenance checks
are recommended.
•AED automatically
performs periodic
self-tests.
•Check supplies, such
as expiration dates on
electrode pads and
batteries.
AED Manufacturers
•Devices and
supplies are
available from
different
manufacturers.
•All devices
function similarly.